Have you noticed marks on your walls? Wondering if it could be rising damp but need more information before you call in the experts? This blog post will look at how to identify this issue and what can be done to treat it.
What is rising damp?
So first, what is rising damp? It is noted as being one of the rarest forms of damp which generally impacts the wall of a building. It is found when moisture from the ground travels up the walls and disrupts the structure. Normally, this groundwater is pigmented with salts that are sucked up through tiny tubes in the bricks. Overtime, this can cause significant damage to buildings in many different ways including wet rot when found on plasterboard and timber floor boards.
How to identify rising damp?
Rising damp is relatively easy to spot. You will normally notice that both plaster and paint begin to deteriorate and any wallpaper you’ve applied loosens from the walls. In most situations, there will be a visible stain on the wall which is more apparent on lighter colours. You may also noticed salts blooming on the surface of your walls which can be felt when you run your hands across them. And, on less covered walls, the mortar may become loose and easy to shift with your hands. These are all signs that rising damp could be a key problem in your home and ones that indicate a solution should be found.
What treatments are there for rising damp?
The good news is that most cases of rising damp are easily treatable. There are two main ways in which this can be done but in all situations, we recommend calling in the professionals to help.
Damp Proofing Injection Cream
One of the least disruptive and most popular ways to repair rising damp is through this unique form of cream. As the name suggests, it is injected into holes in the mortar. Here, the cream turns to a liquid and penetrates the bricks. It creates a water repellent barrier which prevents groundwater from travelling up the wall while also helping to absorb the water already there. Damp Proofing Injection Cream minimises the damage made to walls during a repair job and makes for a less disruptive option.
Damp Proof Membrane
In some situations, the damage caused by rising damp is too severe to be solved through injection cream. Here, a damp proof membrane may need to be installed. This is a most complicated process which requires each brick to be removed, treated and them the membrane itself installed. A specialist will be best placed to advise whether this level or repair is needed in your home.
If you’re concerned about rising damp or are looking for the right treatment, get in touch with Cotswold Treatments today for more information.